upend

[uhp-end]

verb (used with object)

1. to set on end, as a barrel or ship.

2. to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.

3. to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

1. to become upended.

2. to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

upend

/ ʌpˈɛnd /

verb

1. to turn or set or become turned or set on end

2. (tr) to affect or upset drastically

Word History and Origins

Origin of upend¹

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end ¹

Example Sentences

After a rough stretch in court, there are at least three different ways the department’s case against Comey could be upended, if not dismissed outright, in the coming weeks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For me, in particular, our experiences have upended much of what I knew, or thought I knew, about later life—for instance, the certainty that I could easily mix leisure, work and volunteering.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Your withdrawals will not necessarily be upended by this court action.

Read more on MarketWatch

He observed the release upended “250 years of criminal justice procedure” and will “absolutely result in innocent people being hurt.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His paper “completely upended the poinsettia business,” the Hustle newsletter reported in 2021.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abolish 
• conquer 
• crush 
• depose 
• dethrone 
• eradicate 
• oust 
• overcome 
• overrun 
• overturn 
• put an end to 
• raze 
• subdue 
• subvert 
• topple 
• unseat 
• vanquish